MUSKEGON, Mich. — The Women’s Division of Muskegon is hosting its 16th annual Dancing with the Local Stars competition and 37 new community stars have already begun practicing for this year's event, including our very own Samantha Jacques.
11 professional dancers work with the community stars to create three identical nights of entertainment and fundraising, all in support of local food pantries and food programs in lower Oceana, upper Ottawa and Muskegon counties.
“In 2023 this WDCC-produced event raised more than $250,000 with the help of our enthusiastic dancers, the donations of our generous sponsors, and the donations from community members,” said co-chairwoman Mary Kendall.
This year they hope to further that fundraising effort, as the need is greater than ever.
“Between inflation and the fluctuating economy, one thing has remained constant—this community’s love and support of others. Dancing with the Local Stars is the community event that everyone can count on to make an impact in a fun and engaging way,” Kendall said. “Our mission is to give back to our community by stocking the many empty food pantries after the holidays when they’re at their leanest. No one in our community should ever go to bed hungry.”
This year community members are ready to make that happen.
“You could just feel the excitement and enthusiasm in the room as the 2024 community stars met their dance pros,” said DWTLS co-chairwoman Karen Mogdics. “We have been fortunate that each year the dance teams have dazzled us with their commitment to the cause as well as their unique FUNdraising efforts. We are excited to see how the teams this year will help us make a significant difference in our community.”
To support Meteorologist Samantha Jacques's FUNdraising efforts you can contact her at samanthajacques@13onyourside.com to become a sponsor or scan the QR code below to donate. She also will be hosting different fundraising events throughout the winter so be sure to keep up with her on Facebook for updates.
Tickets cost $75 each and will be available to purchase online starting Jan. 2 by visiting womensdivision.org or calling 231-798-4244. All proceeds will go to local food pantries and food programs right here in West Michigan.
Here is the complete list of this year's community stars:
- Chad Addicott, Executive Recruiter, MOVEMENT Search & Delivery
- Kendra Beckstrom, Senior Regional Manager, Kids’ Food Basket
- Nick Cadena, Owner, Cadena Brothers Pizzeria, Cloverville
- Jennifer DeBrot, Executive Director, 1M Project, a local non-profit
- Tommy DePung, Owner, Bad Boys Bail Bonds
- Cheri Dew, Plant Administrator, Cannon-Muskegon
- Jill Dobb, Loan Officer, Dobb-Lehner Team, Michigan Mortgage
- Brittany Dupont, Owner and Trainer, Breathe and Believe Fitness
- Alex Fonseca, Owner, Fresh Coat Painters, Muskegon
- Jen Fricano, Owner, Jazzercise Spring Lake, TED’s, and Fricano's, Muskegon and Manistee
- Licia Fritch, Associate Broker, RE/MAX West
- Arlen-Dean Gaddy, Vice President of Business Development, Erhardt Construction
- Trent Hancock, Head of Retail Banking, ChoiceOne Bank
- Rod Hayhurst, Physician Relations Consultant, Trinity Health Muskegon
- Kelly Ivy, Principal, Campbell Elementary, Mona Shores Schools
- Samantha Jacques, Meteorologist Weekday Mornings, WZZM 13 On Your Side
- Pete June, Senior Account Manager, iHeartMedia
- Emily Leestma, Owner, Bear Lake Tavern; Managing Partner, Adelaide Pointe
- Ryan Leestma, Owner, Leestma Management
- Becky Mattson, Accounting Manager, Grand Haven Custom Molding; Co-owner, Mattson Landscaping
- Jane McGregor, Realtor/Associate Broker, Five Star Real Estate
- Brandy Barnett Mikkelsen, Director of Franchise Performance, Hallmark Homecare, LLC
- Gregory Roberts, Chef and Owner, GBQ BBQ and Catering
- TeAngelo Robinson, Owner and Head Pit Master, Da Kidd Bar-B-Que and Catering, LLC
- Rodney Savage, Director of Engagement, Equity, and Inclusion, Kids' Food Basket
- Nathan Selby, Purchasing Manager, Harbor Steel & Supply Corp
- Jamie Sheffer, Assistant Vice President, BSA AML Investigator, ChoiceOne Bank
- Rhonda Skeba Rosenberg, Associate Director, AgeWell Services
- Vanessa Snelgrove-Gould, Director of Sales, RedWater
- Stacey Sorensen, Art Teacher, Cardinal Elementary, Orchard View Schools
- Ben Taylor, Owner, Bucket O’ Paint, LLC
- Steve Thiele, Recovery Coach and Executive Director, Life Align Inc.
- Lisa Vennema, Senior Parts & Customer Service Specialist, Stewart Engineering and Sales Co.
- Barbara Lee VanHorssen, Experi-Mentor, Momentum Center
- Suzie Woodward, Owner, Lark!, Grand Haven
- Lori J. Zellers, Lawyer and Mediator, Lakeshore Law and Mediation Center, PLC
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